Dave Winfield could return for Ebbsfleet in just eight weeks and boss Daryl McMahon believes he will be the best defender in the National League.

Fleet received a big boost on Tuesday when a specialist confirmed Winfield does not require surgery on his ruptured knee ligament.

Going under the knife would have ruled the club captain out for the rest of the season but now the forecast is much brighter for Winfield and his manager.

McMahon said: "We haven’t played everybody in the division yet but I don’t see anyone that would be as good as Dave Winfield at centre-half.

"As soon as he walks back into the building with his boots on, we get better – simple as that.

"Whenever he comes back, we become a better team instantly because he is that special to the team and the club.

"We look forward to having him back and in the meantime we’ll help him get to where he needs to be to get himself fit.

"He’s a leader, an organiser and a very good player.

"When he signed he probably had a difficult period at the start where he got sent off a couple of times but from December until now, he’s grown into a huge player for us. To get him back will be a big bonus.

"He’s a leader of that group in the changing room. He’s an excellent captain and a good person as well.

"As well as all the qualities he brings on the pitch, he brings a lot of qualities off the pitch as well. He’s a positive person and a model professional.

"That’s important, to have someone in the group who looks after themselves like he does and sets the standard for the players."

Winfield can do weights, cycling and rowing for the next four weeks before he’s allowed to start running again. Once back in training, he could be match-ready in as little as another four weeks.

Ebbsfleet host FC Halifax in the National League on Saturday looking to build on last weekend’s 1-0 win at Boreham Wood.

McMahon said: "They’re a decent side and recently won 3-0 at Leyton Orient. Everyone is capable of beating everyone in this division.

"It’s a very even league so it’s a mistake or a moment of class from an individual that gives you the three points.

"It’s about being focused for 90 minutes, defending well and we know we can score goals."

Sean Shields (ribs) is back in training, while Jack Payne saw a specialist this week about an on-going knee problem.